technology in agriculture

There are a number of different purposes and uses of the crops. The crops and cropping systems can be classified in a number of different ways based on a long list of categories. Previously we have discussed ' Botanical classification of plants ' and ' Agronomic Use classification of the crops '. Now, we will discuss a classification of crops based on their use in the field in different cropping systems; Crop Classification based on Purpose in field (article cover) 1. Catch crops or Contingent Crops Catch crops are cultivated in the field to catch the forthcoming season. The main reason for their plantation is that the main crop has failed in the field due to any biotic or abiotic stress. Hence, these crops are cultivated in the field for a number of reason; � They are fast growth rate and short duration crops. � They can be easily harvested or used in the field at any desired time (for example, as green manure). � They are easily adaptable to the season, soil and fa...

Cotton ( Gossypium arboreum  L./ G.  hirsutum  L.)is the most important fiber crop grown globally. Cotton provides raw material for the textile industry. Cotton is the name derived from Arabic  Al-qutn . In botanical terms, cotton is the soft, fluffy staple  fibre  that is produced around the seed in the protective boll of genus  Gossypium.  The  fibre  is botanically meant for the dispersal of seed. The fibre is almost pure cellulose.  HISTORY 1. The cultivation of cotton has been reported as old as 5000 BC in the western Pakistan, for example, the Mehrgarh excavation showed cotton fibres preserved in copper beads. The cultivation then spread in the Indus Valley Civilization.  2. Evidences about the cultivation of cotton in Iran (pre-islamic Persia) also exists which dates back to almost 5th Millenium BC. From these regions, the cotton was taken to the Europe and other continents.  3. By the end of 16th century BC, cotton...

INTRODUCTION Vigna unguiculata  (L.) Walp. is locally known as Lobia or Lohbia  (?????)  or Rawaan in Pakistan and   Black-eyed Pea ( Vigna unguiculata  subsp.  unguiculata ) is commonly available cowpea subspecies in Pakistan. It is a multipurpose crop but it has not been given much priority in the selection among the rest of the pulses like Mung bean, Mash bean, Lentil (Masoor) and Chickpea (Chanay). But due to its multipurpose nature the agriculture departments in Punjab, Pakistan are importing its exotic varieties and running trials on them. And at the same time, farmers are also being educated about the usefulness of this crop. Epigeal germination of Vigna unguiculata L. IMPORTANCE   i.  It has more protein contents then rest of the legumes.  ii.  Its leaf and immature pods can be used as vegetable. iii.  Its green leaves are rich source of proteins. iv.  It can also be used to enhance the fertility of the soil becaus...

INTRODUCTION In the soils where wheat, maize, rice and sugarcane cannot be cultivated easily, we can cultivate barley (Jou - ??) because it is a tolerant crop and can resist harsh environments . Not only barley gives good yields with lesser agriculture inputs but it can also replenish the damaged soils . Barley, like all other crops is affected by the saline soils , but due to its high resistance it can give better yields than other crops.  Spikes of Barley Sowing of barley starts with wheat, but due to fast growth rate, it matures early for harvesting. In this regard following points should be followed for the better crop yield off barley; SEEDBED PREPARATION Barley is adapted to a wide range of soils such as less fertile, fertile, sandy or soils. But to get a good crop stand and better crop yield soil preparation is an important step. To prepare soil for barley, plough field with a deep plough it twice with sub-soiler or chisel and then level the field by planking. To remov...

The following table presents list of common crops of Pakistan, along with their botanical names, agronomic use and sowing season. Sr. no. Vernacular name Botanical name Family Agronomic use Sowing season A.       CEREAL CROPS 1. Ghandum / Kanak / Wheat Triticum aestivum Poaceae Cereals Rabi 2. Juo / Barley Hordeum vulgare Poaceae Cereals/ Fodder Rabi 3. Dhaan / Rice / Paddy Oryza sativa Poaceae Cereals Kharif 4. Makkai / Corn / Maize Zea mays Poaceae Cereals / Fodder / Oilseeds Kharif 5. Jowar / Chari / Great Millet / Sorghum Sorghum bicolor Poaceae Cereals / Fodder Kharif (Grain purpose) Rabi (Fodder purpose) 6. Bajra / Pearl Millet Pennisetum typhoides Poaceae Cereals / Fodder Kharif B.       FOOD LEGUMES 1. Kalay Channay / Chickpea / Gram Cicer arietinum Fabaceae Pulses Rabi 2. Kabuli Channay / Chickpea / White Gram ...